Kew at Christmas

[baffledcoconut]

Is the Christmas trail up to much? I’ll have a 20month old and it’s been suggested we go. Never done Kew at that time of year- I’m more of a turn up if the weather looks good sort of person!

Anyone been? Would you recommend?

We did it a couple of years ago with my dsis family at night. It was our Christmas treat outing. Unfortunately, the second our time slot arrived it absolutely hosed it down with rain. Like a special effect rain in a film. There was nowhere to hide. We’d just gone through the entrance and thought the rain would let up but no! It was dark most of the way round and muddy and torrential. Then as we groped our way down hill there was a horrifically strong smell of sewage which lasted for about half of the trail. Because of the rain???The youngest child was about 8. We were absolutely soaked through our jeans, jumpers and rain coats. Wet to the skin. It was pretty miserable but at least a tale of survival. Obviously we were very unlucky, but as we booked in advance we had no choice when we saw the forecast was iffy. I’m sure many people went round on dry nights and had a great time. But once you’re on the trail there’s only one bit that’s dry and we had to move on at some point. We couldn’t really see anything because of the dark and horizontal rain. We warmed up in a pub afterwards though, after a half hour walk.

PS This was a night time slot with the light effects against the palm house. NB the glass houses were shut. They might have improved facilities now.

You’re not selling it to me. I’m already grumpy about going. Sounds fabulous if you get it right and a nightmare if it is miserable.

We went the year it opened (cannot remember when but a few years).
Of course it rained ( nobodys fault , it's open air and it was December)

The paths were uneven, I wouldn't fancy navigating a buggy but these might be better.

I really wanted more lights TBH. I expected beautiful strung lanterns , fairy lights and little mystery hide away bits.
There were various 'stations' where the KG staff told us about the plants, plant whispering which was interesting but not what I expected
We were given a marble to drop into water , made musical noises when we all did it.
We were all shunted past the big palm building so no clue what goes on there.
Small fair and stalls at the enterance.

I did read a review that the most exciting part was the scanner light for tickets and it didn't get any better after that (Had to agree TBH)

We were thinking about going there before Christmas, but sounds like it's not worth the effort.

We did it one year and it was super boring. Hardly any lights, nothing like we thought and really expensive drinks mid way.

If you are going for the lights. SYON PARK'S enchanted woodland is much better and very kid friendly. I think it's the last last two weekends and first I'm December. So not exactly Christmas but for us as a family, it marked the countdown.

I've been a few times and we loved it but my child is a lot older than yours. I am not sure a 20 month old will really get the most out of it.